Candy storage and dispensing device and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a candy storage and dispenser device. A multi-compartment dispensing device offers a unique device for storing and dispensing candy. Accordingly, multiple types and/or colors of candy may be contained in a transparent housing to create a very colorful presentation. Any number of candy types, including powdered, beads, pellets and the like, may be stored and dispensed with the multi-compartment device. The compartments each include movable floors controlled by actuators. When the floors are lowered in a sloping manner, contained candies fall into a chamber positioned beneath the compartments. A dispensing aperture in the chamber allows the candies to exit the container. One version comprises a flute-shaped device having an operational mouthpiece.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.10/927,250 filed Aug. 26, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a device for storingand dispensing candy.

BACKGROUND

Yearly candy sales in the United States top $10 billion. Moreover, candysales are expected to grow 3%-5% per year for the next five years. Arapidly growing trend in the candy industry is interactive candy orcandy that is packaged with dispensers. Many dispensers are meant to becollectibles, while others are promotional, often used for movie orvideo game tie-ins.

Candy dispensers come in many different shapes and sizes. One of thefirst candy dispensers was known as the “Pixy-Stix.” A Pixy-Stix is aclosed paper tube, which resembles a straw, containing powdered andcolored candy. In order to consume the candy, a user tears or bites offan end of the tube and pours the candy into their hands or mouth. U.S.Pat. No. 2,901,357 to Epstein illustrates one such paper tube.Unfortunately, when bitten or placed in one's mouth, ends of the papertube become saturated with saliva causing the tube to seal unexpectedly.In response, a user must manually re-open the tube. The entire processtends to be messy and the mixture of powdered candy and saliva createsan undesirable paste-like substance.

Consequently, there have been numerous attempts to develop alternativedispensers for powdered candy and other small candy items. U.S. Pat.Nos. 3,138,249, 5,853,112 and 6,139,393 disclose such dispensers.However, each of the disclosed dispensers suffers from one or moredrawbacks. That is, the dispensers are unsafe for children (e.g., havesmall detachable parts), complex and burdensome to manufacture and/orlack versatility.

Accordingly, there continues to be the need for an aestheticallypleasing candy dispenser remedying the drawbacks of previous dispenserswhile accomplishing the objective of dispensing candy in a mannerentertaining to its users.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a first embodiment of the present invention comprises acompartmentalized container for segregating different types and/orcolors of candy. In one embodiment, the container takes the shape of aflute wherein multiple candy compartments are formed along its length.In the flute embodiment, each compartment may accommodate differentcandy (e.g., powder, small candy beads or pellets, etc.) and/ordifferent colored candies. To enhance the flute-shaped dispenser, theflute includes an operational mouthpiece for creating an audible tone. Arelease mechanism provides a means for the user to dispense the candythrough, for example, the mouthpiece of the flute.

Ideally, the container is fabricated of a transparent plastic so thatthe user may observe the various candies in the multiple compartments.In this manner, a rainbow of candy colors can be created to enhance theappearance of the dispenser.

While a flute has been described, other shapes, including a harmonica,whistle or animals, may be used to form the container. Other features,variations and embodiments will become evident from the detaileddescription, drawings and claims set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top view of a first flute embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the first flute embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional width view along direction A of the firstflute embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a transparent side view of a second flute embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 shows a view of a wall of the second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of covers open in the third embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective upper view of a fourth embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective side view of the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIGS. 10-11 shows perspective cut-away views of the fourth embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that theinvention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing fromthe spirit or essential character thereof. The presently disclosedembodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrativeand not restrictive.

Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are referred toby like numerals throughout. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first top and sideview of a flute embodiment generally referred to by reference numeral100. The flute 100 comprises a mouthpiece 110, multiple compartments115-1 through 115-6, dividing walls 117 release unit 120, filleropenings 125 and filler opening covers 130. The filler opening covers130 are joined to the flute 100 by hinges 127 which allow the covers 130to be opened by applying pressure in a sideways direction. In otherwords, the covers 130 rotate in a direction denoted by B in FIG. 1 abouta top of the flute 130. The flute 100 may be made of any suitablematerial but ideally transparent plastic is used. The use of transparentmaterial allows the candy 135 to be seen while contained in the flute100. The candy 135 may be packaged in the flute 100 at the manufacturingfacility and delivered to the retail outlets accordingly. As describedin detail below, once the candy 135 is dispensed by a user, the flute100 may include means for allowing the user to refill the flute 100 asdesired.

The release unit 120 provides means for dispensing the contained candy135. While the release unit 120 shown is a knob, it can also be a lever,button, handle, finger, rib or similar feature. In a first embodiment,as shown in FIG. 3, each compartment 115-1 through 115-6 includes anaperture 140 in a wall 117 thereof. The size of the apertures 140dictates the size of the candy 135 that may be readily contained anddispensed by the flute 100. To dispense the candy 135 the release unit120 is pulled away or lifted from the flute container 100 therebyopening an internal movable cover 150 of the aperture 140-1 in themouthpiece 110. The cover 150 moves along parallel tracks 155 in thewall 117-1. Then, the user tilts the flute container 100 and pours thecandy 135 through the compartment apertures 140, including the openedmouthpiece aperture 140-1, and into their hand or mouth. The releasemechanism 120 is attached to the cover 150 of the mouthpiece aperture140-1 by an elongated substantially rigid member 165. A spring 170 anddisc 175 interact to force the cover 150 to its closed position once theuser releases the knob 120. A locking mechanism (not shown) may alsohold the knob 120 in an open position until the user is ready to closethe aperture 140-1.

In a second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, each compartment aperture 140incorporates a movable cover 150. In the second embodiment, each of thecompartment covers 150, including the mouthpiece cover 150-1, iscontrolled by the release mechanism 120. Thus, once the releasemechanism 120 is pulled away from the flute 100, each of the compartmentcovers 120 is moved to an open position allowing the candy 135 to flowfreely from the compartments 115-1 through 115-6 and into the user'smouth or hands. A rod 180 connected to the substantially rigid member165 joins each cover 150-1 through 150-6. As shown in FIG. 5, a slot 185in each compartment wall 117-1 through 117-6 allows the rod 180 to movevertically such that the covers 150-1 through 150-6 may open. Uponrelease of the knob 120, the spring 170 and disc 175 force the covers150-1 through 150-6 to their closed position.

In a third embodiment, shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 a shaft 200 extends thelength of the flute 100 and rotatably attaches at a first end to acompartment wall 117. Ideally, the first end of the shaft 200 resideswithin a cylindrical or circular channel 205 having one open end. Theshaft 200 supports one or more covers 210. In an embodiment similar tothat shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the shaft 200 supports a cover 210 for eachcompartment aperture 140. Upon turning the shaft 200 (as indicated bythe arrow) via knob 220 affixed to a second end of the shaft 200, thecovers 210 move to allow the candy to flow through the compartmentapertures 140. Friction between the first end of the shaft 200 andcircular channel wall restrains the shaft 200 and covers 210 in a fixedposition until acted on by the user. Alternatively, the channel 205 andfirst end of the shaft 200 may each be threaded to facilitate a secureengagement therebetween.

The size of the compartment apertures 140 and mouthpiece aperture 140-1dictate the size of the candy 135 which can be suitably contained anddispensed by the flute 100. Accordingly, the flute 100 may accommodatepowdered candy, small candy items and/or coated candy. Different candiesmay be mixed and matched as desired. For example, a rainbow effect maybe created by placing different colored candies in each transparentcompartment 115-1 through 115-6. Refilling the flute 100 may beaccomplished by pouring candy 135 through each individual externalopening of the compartments 115-1 through 115-6. Similarly, a user mayretrieve candy from each compartment 115-1 through 115-6 individually byopening the filler opening cover 130 and pouring the candy 135 from thedesired compartment 115-1 through 115-6.

FIGS. 8-11 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention generallyreferred to by reference numeral 300. In this embodiment, the flute 300comprises a series of individual compartments 310-1 through 310-8 with acommon chamber 320 extending lengthwise along the flute 300 beneath eachcompartment 310-1 through 310-8. Individual floors 315 associated witheach compartment 310-1 through 310-8 are configured to descend in asloping manner as shown with compartment 310-2 in FIGS. 9-11. Causingfloor 315-2 to descend is accomplished by depressing a correspondingactuator 325-2. Each actuator 325 is attached to a floor 315 such thatthe actuator 325 is able to cause the floor 315 to descend, about ahinge 330 or similar mechanism, in a sloping manner. As the floor 315slopes, the candy stored in the corresponding compartment 310 falls intothe common chamber 320 therebelow.

In one embodiment, the hinge 330 is spring-biased such that oncepressure is removed from the actuator 325, the spring-biased hinge 330causes the floor 315 and actuator 325 to return to normal positions.Alternatively, springs (not shown) may also be positioned between theactuators 325 and an upper surface of the flute 300. Those skilled inthe art will recognize that any number of actuator 325/floor 315configurations are possible without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention.

In another embodiment, each actuator 325 or a single actuator is linkedto each floor 315 such that candies in each compartment are dispensedsimultaneously. In another embodiment, a single floor extends beneatheach compartment 325 and is controlled by one or more actuators.

It is also recognized that only a portion of the floor 315 (or lowersurface) may be movable. For example, one-half of the floor 315 may becontrolled by the actuator 325 rather than the entire floor 315.

Once the candy enters the common chamber 320 it is free to exit theflute 300 via dispensing aperture 330. In one embodiment, the dispensingaperture 330 is permanently open and in another embodiment, it may beopened and closed by a user. Multiple candies may be dispensedsimultaneously by depressing multiple actuators 325 simultaneously. Thedispensing aperture 330 is sized to accommodate the types of candiesstored within the flute 300. In one embodiment, each compartment 310-1through 310-8 may be refilled via an opening (not shown) in thecompartment 310-1 through 310-8. In an alternative embodiment, the flute300 is does not include refill openings. Like the other embodiments, theflute 300 can be fabricated of transparent materials (e.g., plastic) sothat different colored candies may be used to create an attractive candypresentation.

While it is not mandatory, the flute 100, 300 may be made operational byutilizing the mouthpiece 110. To create an audible tone the mouthpiece110 incorporates an opening 170 and restrains a ball 175. Therefore, asair is blown through the mouthpiece 110 the ball 175 blocks a portion ofthe opening 170 causing the creation of an audible tone. Also, in analternative embodiment, buttons or actuators 325 along the flutecontainer 100, 300 may be functional to allow the flute 100, 300 todischarge multiple tones and notes.

Even though the description has focused on a flute embodiment, anynumber of other container shapes are conceivable. For example, acontainer having a harmonica or whistle shape may incorporate multiplecompartments for containing different types and/or colors of candies.Indeed, the shape does not need to be of an instrument or relatedsound-generating device. That is, the device may take any form,including that of animals (e.g., snake, alligator or shark). In fact,the shape may be dictated by a movie promotion or similar externalinfluence.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference toseveral embodiments, additional variations and modifications existwithin the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined inthe following claims.

1. A candy container and dispenser comprising: a housing; a plurality ofcompartments within said housing, said compartments having movable lowersurfaces; a plurality of actuators configured to control said movablelower surfaces; a chamber extending beneath said plurality ofcompartments; and a dispensing aperture, said dispensing aperture incommunication with said chamber.
 2. The container of claim 1 whereinsaid lower surfaces move about a hinge.
 3. The container of claim 2wherein said hinge is spring-biased.
 4. The container of claim 1 furthercomprising springs positioned between upper portions of said actuatorsand an upper surface of said container.
 5. The container of claim 1wherein the housing is flute shaped.
 6. The container of claim 5 whereinthe dispensing aperture is incorporated in a mouthpiece of said housing.7. The container of claim 1 further comprising means for opening andclosing said dispensing aperture.
 8. A candy container and dispensercomprising: a housing; a plurality of compartments within said housing,said compartments having a commonly controlled movable lower surface;one or more actuators configured to control said movable lower surface;a chamber extending beneath said plurality of compartments; and adispensing aperture, said dispensing aperture in communication with saidchamber.
 9. The container of claim 8 wherein said lower surface movesabout one or more hinges.
 10. The container of claim 9 wherein said oneor more hinges are spring-biased.
 11. The container of claim 8 furthercomprising one or more springs positioned between upper portions of saidone or more actuators and an upper surface of said container.
 12. Thecontainer of claim 8 wherein the housing is flute shaped.
 13. Thecontainer of claim 12 wherein the dispensing aperture is incorporated ina mouthpiece of said housing.
 14. The container of claim 8 furthercomprising means for opening and closing said dispensing aperture.
 15. Acandy container and dispenser comprising: a housing defining a pluralityof compartments, said compartments having movable floors; a plurality ofactuators positioned along a length of said container and attached tosaid movable floors wherein said actuators are operable to control saidfloors; a chamber extending beneath said plurality of compartments; anda dispensing aperture, said dispensing aperture in communication withsaid chamber.
 16. The container of claim 15 wherein said lower floorsmove about a spring-biased hinge.
 17. The container of claim 15 furthercomprising springs positioned between upper portions of said actuatorsand an upper surface of said container.
 18. The container of claim 15wherein the housing is flute shaped.
 19. The container of claim 18wherein the dispensing aperture is incorporated in a mouthpiece of saidhousing.
 20. The container of claim 15 further comprising means foropening and closing said dispensing aperture.